Natural Grocers expanded its footprint in Oregon with the opening of its 15th store in the state, welcoming shoppers to a new location in McMinnville on July 1st.
Located at 448 OR-99W, the store officially opened following a morning celebration that included a $2,500 donation to the Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) Food Bank, an introduction to local muralist Natalie Fletcher and a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted in partnership with the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The opening marked another milestone for the family-operated natural and organic grocer as it continues to grow across the Pacific Northwest.
“McMinnville has a strong sense of community and a deep connection to food, agriculture and wellness, which aligns with who we are as a family-operated grocer,” said Raquel Isely, VP of Marketing at Natural Grocers.
“Residents value where their food comes from, from local farms to regional producers across the Willamette Valley, and that is reflected in how they shop and eat. Our stores offer convenient access to affordable organic and natural groceries of the highest caliber, free nutritional education and a welcoming environment.”
To celebrate the opening, the retailer offered a variety of giveaways and promotions. The first 150 customers received mystery gift cards valued between $5 and $500, while the first 500 shoppers were given handcrafted carryall bags from Ecuador. A prize wheel ran throughout the afternoon, and a sweepstakes offered customers the chance to win prizes including a $500 Natural Grocers gift card and an Aventon e-bike valued at approximately $1,400.
The company also rolled out a month-long lineup of discounts on organic produce, grocery staples and Natural Grocers private-label products, with additional savings available to members of its {N}power loyalty program.
Beyond product offerings and promotions, the new store highlighted Natural Grocers’ commitment to sustainability. The location was built using sustainable materials and features 100% LED lighting. Shoppers were also greeted by a large-scale mural created by local artist Natalie Fletcher, owner of Parlor on 3rd, that celebrates the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of Yamhill County.
“I wanted a lasting reflection of how beautiful this area is and how proud I am to live here,” Fletcher said. “Each season brings lush native flowers and plants that highlight the essential role of pollinators. I also wanted to capture the breathtaking sunsets of the coastal range.”
Community support was also a key component of the opening. In addition to the initial donation to YCAP Food Bank, Natural Grocers committed to supporting the organization through its Bring Your Own Bag program, which donates five cents to the food bank for every customer shopping trip that uses reusable bags.
“Yamhill Community Action Partnership Food Bank is proud to partner with Natural Grocers in support of local hunger relief efforts throughout Yamhill County,” said Tyler Fuller, manager of the food bank.
“Through this partnership, Natural Grocers is providing both a generous monetary donation and an ongoing food rescue program that will help ensure nutritious food remains in our local communities and reaches neighbors facing food insecurity. Together, these agencies help distribute more than 2 million pounds of food annually, which is equivalent to approximately 1.6 million meals for local individuals and families.”
The McMinnville store joins Natural Grocers’ growing Oregon presence and reflects the retailer’s ongoing focus on combining organic and natural food offerings with community engagement, nutrition education and sustainability initiatives.
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